Chapter 2

Chapter 2

As soon as his car stopped in the hotel parking lot, I quickly got out, leaving him alone. Despite feeling a bit dizzy, I managed to enter the hotel and head straight to the elevator. I reached the floor where I had checked in, still feeling nervous.

I couldn't believe what he had said. Not because it was impossible, but because my heart responded to him. It was as if I liked him too. I shook my head at my own thoughts.

Entering the room, I immediately went to sleep. The alcohol had made me drowsy, and I didn't struggle to find sleep.

The next morning, I woke up early to prepare for my flight to Tagbilaran, Bohol. My flight was at 8, and it perfectly aligned with my arrival at the airport. Throughout the flight, I slept, only waking up as we neared landing. An hour passed before I finally saw the beautiful scenery of Bohol. I could almost smell the sea, which lightened my heart.

This is what I need. Fresh air and space.

Exiting Tagbilaran Airport, I quickly hailed a taxi to take me to the Belian Hotel where I had made a reservation. I planned to stay there for a few days while I searched for a house to rent. Perhaps I would stay here for a month or even a year. I wanted to experience being independent, something I had never done before. I would also look for a job to support myself.

"Your name, Ma'am?" the hotel receptionist asked.

"Euzette Chan." She looked up my name on the computer and handed me a card.

"Room 308, Ma'am." With that information, I headed to the elevator. A bellboy accompanied me, carrying my suitcase and backpack. I only had a shoulder bag with me, containing my wallet, kit, phone, and other essentials.

Once the bellboy dropped me off at my room, he left, and I was left alone. I surveyed the room—simple yet elegant. My eyes were drawn to the window, and I approached it to take in the view. From here, I could see Tagbilaran, and beyond that, the beautiful sea. It made me forget everything that happened yesterday.

I picked out clothes to change into before I set out to explore Tagbilaran and find a place to rent.

I chose a spaghetti-strap tank top, high-waisted denim shorts, and a blue checkered shirt. I paired it with black Adidas sneakers that I had brought with me. I only packed three pairs of shoes—sandals and two pairs of sneakers, excluding the sandals I wore earlier. As I left, I grabbed my shoulder bag and an envelope containing my resume.

Leaving the hotel, I decided to walk around while searching for a place to stay. I didn't know the area, and I could also use this time to look for job opportunities.

I passed by a fast-food chain and suddenly felt hungry. It was already lunchtime, and I hadn't eaten yet. I decided to eat alone before proceeding with my plans. I had no knowledge of this place, and even looking for an apartment seemed like an unfamiliar task.

The fast-food restaurant was crowded due to lunchtime. Fortunately, I found an empty table. My phone was on the side as I ate. I planned to deactivate my accounts to avoid being tracked by my dad.

"Hi, mind if I share the table?" I looked up at the person who spoke. A woman stood in front of me with a tray of food. I nodded, granting her permission.

"Are you new here?" I was surprised by her question in the middle of our meal. I nodded again.

"Are you a tourist?" Another question, and I shook my head.

"I'm planning to stay here in Bohol for good." I answered her with a simple statement. We weren't close, but out of courtesy, I responded, continuing with my meal.

"Oh, where are you staying?"

"At Belian Hotel. I'm still looking for a job and an apartment." I took a sip of my soft drink before looking at her again. I noticed a sparkle in her eyes at my words. I furrowed my brows at her reaction.

"I'm looking for a bedspacer in my condo. You can stay there. And we're hiring at my workplace. By the way, did you finish your studies?" Her offer sounded like a blessing. I nodded quickly.

"Yes, Business." I smiled at her, seeing her nodding enthusiastically.

"Perfect. You fit right into our company. So, is that your resume?" She pointed to the envelope I had brought, and I nodded, handing it to her.

"Okay, sure. Hmm, I gave you my number, and you give me yours. I'll clean up one of the rooms in my condo for your move-in; by tomorrow, you'll be able to move in. I'll also take care of getting you started at work. By the way, I'm Casey Ramirez," she explained, extending her hand to me.

"I'm Euzette Chan," I introduced myself. We exchanged phone numbers before parting ways. Having met someone, I no longer had any problems, so I just went back to the hotel and slept. I woke up only for dinner and slept again. The next day, I spent my time exploring Bohol, visiting famous landmarks. Around lunchtime, Casey texted me.

Casey:

Hi friend. This is Casey. Remember me? Haha. By the way, can we meet? I'll show you my condo, and we can discuss the room price.

I didn't hesitate to reply.

Me:

Sure. Where is your condo? I'll come to you.

She sent me the address, and I promptly went there. Her condo was quite far from Tagbilaran, located near Panglao. It was in a well-known condominium, and I visited it immediately.

The place was beautiful, and you could tell it was a tourist attraction. Her unit was on the 10th floor. I rang the doorbell, and she opened it, casually dressed.

She looked as beautiful as when we first met, and I couldn't help but admire her. She invited me inside her unit, which was spacious with two bedrooms. The living room was sizable, and the kitchen was separate. Her unit was clean, and it was evident that she lived here alone.

"Come, let me show you the room that will be yours," she invited me to one of the rooms.

"This will be your room. I'll be in the one next door," she pointed to the right room. "It's my cousin's room, but she's not here right now, she's in Manila, and it seems she might be moving out soon," she explained. I nodded in understanding.

After she toured me around her unit, we discussed the payment. Because she was kind, she said I only needed to pay ₱5,000 a month. I agreed, and she gave me the key to her unit for my move-in tomorrow morning. She also mentioned that my resume was already in process.

"Thank you so much, Casey. You're truly a godsend. Okay, I'll go ahead so I can organize my things," I thanked her after dinner. We also had dinner together, and she shared a lot with me. It reminded me of Kyle. He's talkative too.

I just smiled at the thought. It hasn't been a week, but I already miss my best friend. What more my Mommy. I frowned at the thought of Mommy.

I was surprised when my phone suddenly rang. It was Mommy calling. I quickly thought about whether I should answer it since I hadn't properly informed them. Due to guilt, I answered it.

"My god! My child! It's good that I reached you! Where are you? Why did you do that? It's a big embarrassment to our family, especially to the Del Prenas! Come back! We'll continue with the wedding; I'll talk to the Del Prenas!" I couldn't help but sigh at what Mommy said.

"Is that more important than what I feel?" I said coldly to Mom. I heard her pause.

There was a coldness that enveloped my heart. Anger surged within me. Is that wedding more important to them than their own child? My eyes warmed.

"Ch-Child! What kind of question is that? Your Daddy and I are just thinking about your future! So come home so the wedding can proceed; I'll talk to the Del Prenas!" My tears finally fell.

"My future? Whoa! Maybe for you! Not for me! Besides, Mom, I don't love him. I can't marry him," I quickly ended the call. I burst into tears; I now released all the pent-up frustration.

I don't need a lavish life to ensure my future. All I need is love. Love from anyone.